Kyle and EvaLyn

Christmas

2012-01-10T14:24:00.000-08:00

This Christmas we were able to enjoy both or our families. Eric and Annie came into town with their 3 kids before Christmas so we spent the 23rd with them as well as the rest of the family. Then we spent the 24th with Kyle's cousins at Grandma Herrin's house the first part of the day and with just his family at his parents house the second part of the day. We spend the morning of the 25th at his parents house and the rest of the 25th at my parents house. So I think we pretty much covered everyone. What I decided is family gatherings are all about the kids. I looked through all the pictures we have over the whole weekend and most of them are of niece's and nephews, I guess they keep us entertained.

Chloe, Kyle's cousins youngest opening a present.

Lilly, Kyle's cousins older daughter playing with her new car.

Alex, Eric and Annie's son making a "scary" face

Faith, Eric and Annie's oldest, opening a present.

Keelee, Ben and Natalie's baby exploring our place.

Maia, Eric and Annie's youngest. She is taking me for a walk.

New Nephew

2011-12-21T16:40:00.000-08:00

On December 14th Kyle's brother Judson and wife Michelle had a new baby boy. His name is Wynn Kelly Jennings. We were able to go visit them when they got home from the hospital to meet our new nephew. This is a picture of Kyle holding him...cute.

Thanksgiving

2011-12-05T13:48:00.000-08:00

This year for Thanksgiving we went up to Kyle's Grandmas house. Kyle had to work in the morning so we just drove up in the afternoon. It was Kyle's family, his Aunt Suzi's family, his Uncle Robert and Grandma. We stayed at his parents just down the street Thursday night then went to my parents on Friday and Saturday. Eric and Annie came into town so we also celebrated Maia's and Keelee's birthdays, both turning one; Maia on November 19th and Keelee on December 2nd. Its amazing to me how entertaining a one year old and a piece of cake can be.

Kyle's mom, Cindy and sister, Marianne, made these cute little turkeys.

The table all set at Kyle's Grandma's ready to feast.

Whenever Kyle takes pictures there are none of him and too many of me. I chopped my hair off and donated 12inches, and went darker; kind of a big change.

My mom and Alex and Annie.

Faith dancing around with Maia

Keelee and Maia getting celebrating their first birthdays together.

Ragnar Las Vegas

2011-11-01T12:25:00.001-07:00

On the weekend of the 21st and 22nd of Oct Kyle and I went down to Las Vegas with a group of 11 other people to run the Las Vegas Ragnar (It's a appox. 190 mile race). We got in late Thursday night and stayed in St. George. We woke up early Friday morning so we could get to the starting line by 9:00. Kyle and I were in car #1 so we started the race ( I was the driver). There are 6 runners in each car and each person runs a total of 3 legs. We finished up our first legs in time to eat relax for a little bit than on to leg #2. People slept when they could and we proceeded through the night. The next morning at about 8:00 we sent off our last runner to finish the 3rd leg, got ready to drive to the next check point to pick her up and the car we were in wouldn't start. To make a long story short we were stranded in the desert for about 8 hours hungry, tired and sleep deprived. We happen to be on the leg of the race that was on a dirt road. After finally finding a towing company that would come out to get us we were able to get towed into town Saturday night. Our team was able to finish the race, however, Shane and Kyle were not there to run through the finish line since they were at the repair shop with the car. We were able to get it fixed Sunday and make it home safely. It was quit the weekend.

The starting line at lake Mead

Kyle's first leg (it was about 7 miles)

Driver and cheerleader

Unfortunately we didn't break down at this check point

We broke down at this check point

Finish Line

Summer Updates

2011-09-19T16:18:00.000-07:00

I have not done a very good job this summer of keeping up the blog, it went by so fast. So just to review:
I had shoulder surgery at the end of June.
Eric and Annie came to Utah for the Fourth of July so we were able to spend time with them, and get family pictures taken.
Kyle got a new job as a full time wound care nurse in Sandy, and is still going to school.
I turned 27.
Lydia moved to Montana so we went out there last weekend to visit and go to a football and volleyball game. Kyle had never been to Missoula so I wanted to show him around.

Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay

2011-07-10T17:06:00.001-07:00

On June 17-18th, Kyle and 11 other guys, mostly from his Unit, ran the Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay. They started running from Logan Utah at about 5:00 am on Friday the 17th and finished around noon on Saturday the 18th in Park City Utah. The race totaled about 192 miles. Each person ran 3 legs averaging 16 miles each. They had a goal to finish in 30 hours or less and finished in 29:59:31.2 (nothing like cutting it close). They finished 64th overall and placed 4th in the Men's Public Service Division. Although they were sore and sleep deprived they had a lot of fun.

Jason's Graduation and Flaming Gorge

2011-06-12T17:36:00.000-07:00

On Thursday the 2nd of June, Jason, Kyle's brother graduated from high school. After his graduation, early morning on Friday the 3rd, we drove to Flaming Gorge to meet my family. That was a middle ground where everyone could meet. The weekend was filled with crazy adventures, including:
My dad forgeting his medication at home.
My mom hitting a deer.
Dad and Lydia were sick.
Freezing cold nights.
Jeremy on crutches (since the ground was so soft the ends kept getting lost in the ground so we would have to ding through the last few holes he made looking for them).
Eric and mom's paddle boat filling with water and trying to tow them to shore before it sank(that was actually pretty funny).
Cramping everyone and all our gear into three cars to get us to Vernal since my parents car had to be towed
My mom getting sick on the way home.
Even through all the crazy parts it was fun to see everyone and relax for a couple days.

The Ogden Marathon

2011-05-29T12:14:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday on June 21st Kyle ran the Ogden Marathon. This is his first full Marathon. He has done a couple of half Marathons but when he was in Afganistan he and a couple of his Army buddies registered to run this marathon. So he has been planning to run it for a few months now. It started up Ogden Canyon and finished down town Ogden. He finished in just over 4 hours, he was pretty tired and I can't blame him. My roll was the cheerleader at the end of the race.

Nothing says romance like...

2011-05-15T20:30:00.000-07:00

going shooting with Kyle's new Spring Field 45. A couple weeks ago we went to the shooting range for our date, I wonder who's idea that was ;). We even bought a target with a picture of someone holding a hostage on it...isn't that romantic? It actually was a lot of fun.

Mexican Riviera Cruise

2011-04-24T18:12:00.000-07:00

On March 12th through the 19th, Kyle, myself and his siblings went on a Mexican Riviera Cruise for a week. We left out of San Diego on the 12th, and spent a couple days at sea. We spent that time, just eating a lot of great food, playing games at night, and most importantly relaxing. Then we spent two days in Puerta Vallarta and one day in Cabo San Lucas. In Puerta Vallarta we spent time walking along the shops on the beach and taking a cab up the the waterfalls where they filmed Predator. In Cabo we took a boat to Lovers Beach and went snorkeling and hiked on the rocks. The weather was beautiful the entire time and we had a lot of fun.

On lovers beach in Cabo

Getting ready to go snorkeling in Cabo

Kyle playing with Rowe

The whole gang on the steps of a church in Puerta Vallarta. Matt, Marianne, Alan,Jason, Kyle, Marianne, Judson, Michelle and Rowe. I am taking the picture.

Where they filmed Predator in Puerta Vallarta

In the dining hall on the ship getting ready to enjoy another amazing dinner.

Kyle's Homcoming

2011-04-17T18:53:00.001-07:00

Kyle came home from Afghanistan on March 3rd after being gone for a year. Our families met at the airport, to greet him. After which we headed over to Jusdon and Michelle's for a brunch. We were lucky enough to have Tanya Garside some to the airport and take pictures. She does a great job, and we would recommend her as a photographer to anyone. Her website is tanyagarside.com

Kyle and I being interviewed by Channel 4 news.

Faith asking Kyle "what the Army Guys keep in their big army bags"?

Kyle meeting Ben and Natalie's baby Keelee for the first time.

Kyle with his siblings

Kyle and Eva

Las Vegas

2011-02-23T13:51:00.000-08:00

Holding a Tarantula

Cesar's Place

Last weekend I went down to Las Vegas for a Business Expo. We left on Thursday and came back on Friday. It was a quick trip but very eventful.

Keelee's Blessing

2011-02-06T19:19:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday Ben and Natalie's little baby Keelee was blessed. She was blessed in their ward, and then afterward we went over to Natalie's parents home for lunch. Grandma was able to come up with Cynthia and her girls. Sometimes I feel like I blink and all of a sudden I have 2 nephews, 3 nieces, and a husband. Its almost like, "when did this all happen?" Time has a way of flying bye.

Trip to Colorado

2011-01-10T19:14:00.001-08:00

Last weekend over the New Year holiday my parents, Lydia, Jeremy and I drove to Colorado for Maia's blessing. We left Thursday evening and didn't get there until late Friday. Due to bad weather the roads were closed and we had to spend the night in Rock Springs. While we were there we also celebrated moms birthday since it was on the 31st. We also brought out Christmas presents for Eric, Annie, Faith and Alex to open since they stayed in Colorado for Christmas this year.
We went ice skating

We had a bucket of homemade ice cream with candles in it for my moms birthday instead of a cake.
Lydia brought gifts back from Romania
Alex and Faith opened Pillow Pets for Christmas. Apparently something that can couple as a stuffed animal and a pillow is pretty cool. Who would of thought?

I honestly don't have one picture of any of the girls holding Maia. She already has the Men wrapped around her figure. Pretty cute.

Christmas in Utah

2010-12-29T17:30:00.001-08:00

For Christmas this year I spent Christmas Eve at the Jennings. On Christmas morning after we opened presents I went to my parents house. They had a couple new faces at their house this year. Jeremy, Lydia's fiance and his sister Ashley, who flew in from California. As well as Keelee, Ben and Natalie's baby. We opened presents and of course tried on any new cloths we got, for each other. Then we played some of the new games that were opened up. Luckily it snowed on Christmas since that was the first time Ashley had ever seen it snow. I spent the rest of Christmas day there. The next day on the way down to our family Christmas party with the cousins we stopped in down town Ogden the at their Christmas Village to look at the tree dedicated to Military persons who are serving. Kyle's picture was on one of the ornaments, as well as his commander.

Christmas Eve and the Jennings in our new PJ's

Ashely, Jeremy and Lydia

Natalie, Ben and Keelee

Mom and Dad

Ogden City Christmas Village

Christmas In Afghanistan

2010-12-29T16:58:00.000-08:00

A little before Christmas Kix Brooks and Robin Williams visited Kyle's hospital in Afghanistan. This is what he had to say about it "they just knocked on the door, came in and got a tour from one of our guys who didn't recognize anyone ;). Finally he said, "you're that one guy!" Robin williams was very quiet, very kind. He offered to mail us some stuff for the kids that we have coming through, local nationals. Cracked some jokes here and there; when we were getting our picture taken, Kix Brooks walked in front, ducking under the camera, and he said "watch out, big guy coming through" in a quiet, tired voice. Still very funny. and very hairy. :)"

Two New Nieces

2010-12-12T15:56:00.000-08:00

In the last month we have had two new babies join our family. Eric and Annie had a baby girl, Maia on November 19th. And Ben and Natalie had a baby girl, Keelee on December 2nd.

Ben holding Keelee

Me holding Keelee

Keelee

Maia

Maia

Maia

From Afghanistan (Be Nice to Everyone)

2010-12-05T08:25:00.000-08:00

Be Nice to Everyone

Last week we were alerted of an attack to a base near ours, and of the 13 wounded that would probably be coming in serious conditions. Realizing the acuity of the situation, a walking blood drive was activated, where we ask soldiers to donate blood to transfuse to those in surgery as the surgeons called for it. I stood into the ICU, which doubles as the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) overflow area, when a Lieutenant asked me to come and assist with the blood drive. Having done this several times already, I felt comfortable drawing blood from anyone. So I gathered my equipment and approached one of the soldiers that was ready. I introduced myself, and asked how I should address the Soldier: "Is it Sir, Sergeant....?" He replied matter-of-factly with "General". Even though I knew I had never met him, I knew he was the only Brigadier General on the FOB, so I felt more than a little sheepish. But life goes on, so I asked him to have a seat, and we continued on as I would with any other patient. We had a pleasant chat about his duties, unit, and even found out that he was going to meet his wife in Oahu for mid-tour R&R, just as I had done. As we concluded the blood collection, the Lieutenant asked me to show a lower enlisted Soldier the process, techniques, etc. So as the General sat holding his arm, I showed the Soldier how to clamp the bag, collect samples for testing, and document it correctly. As the General was preparing to leave with some of his staff that accompanied him, we got a picture, and then I went back to work.

The moral of the story: Be nice, because everyone is special, plus they just might be a General!

Hawaii

2010-11-20T16:40:00.000-08:00

Last week I came home from Hawaii. Kyle and I decided to meet there for his R&R, which is his leave from Afghanistan. We both arrived on Oct 25Th and left on Nov 10Th. So ended up being there about 16 days together. We did so many fun things and took tons of pictures. But best of all we were able to just spend time together after almost 8 months apart. Some of the things we did included: snorkeling, horseback riding, kayaking, going through the Temple open house,Dolphin Excursion, Sea Life Park, going to the Polynesian Cultural Center, Pearl Harbor, The Dole Plantation, A Macadamia Nut Farm, A Shrimp Farm, going to the North Shore, magic show, comedy show, Luaus, eating tons of seafood and Thai food, going to a Bazaar, shopping and, and relaxing.

Just one of many beautiful beaches

Polynesian Cultural Center

Kyle learning how to play the Ukulele and our Dolphin Excursion

Dole Plantation

Ben and Natalie's Baby Shower Weekend

2010-10-23T09:09:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Eric, Annie, Faith and Alex came into town. So we thought it would be a great weekend to have a baby shower for Ben and Natalie as well. Saturday before the shower we picked out pumpkins and decorated them with stickers. Then mom decided that a riding lawn mower looks a lot like a go cart or something. And why not make mowing the lawn fun. Except they were not actually cutting any grass. So she took turns driving Faith and Alex around the yard.
Then we went down to Grandma Smiths for Natalie and Ben's baby shower. Annie and Faith were in charge of decorating. Faith did a good job directing everybody what do to. The decorations turned out really cute. Then after the shower we drove up to the Draper temple so Faith and Alex could see it. Good times!

Before

After

We figured out that scary stickers also stick to faces.

Faith and Alex thought riding the lawn mower was pretty cool

It was Faith's idea to have Natalie sit under an umbrella with paper rain drop coming down from the ceiling, since it is a "baby shower."

934 FST: Waiting Patiently to Save Your Life

2010-09-28T08:45:00.000-07:00

Written by U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Mark Lazane Photos by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Demetrius Lester Paktika Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs Monday, 27 September 2010 00:42

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan - U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Benjamin Chou, a native of Salt Lake City, the non commissioned officer in charge of the Advanced Trauma Life Support section of the 934th Forward Surgical Team, inspects medical instruments prior to receiving patients at Forward Operating Base Sharana Sept. 9. Chou's unit provides traumatic life, limb or eyesight care to coalition force units, Afghan civilians, Afghan National Security Force members and anyone else affected by the actions of war, regardless of how or by whom they were hurt. Normally a mobile unit, the mission of the 934th FST, an Army Reserve unit from Salt Lake City, has changed from following units on the battlefield to a support role inside the base, where they stand by ready to assist patients as necessary. The FST serves as the first point of treatment after a casualty (ground) or medical (air) evacuation has been performed. Since they arrived in country, members of the 934th FST have been augmented by both Air Force personnel and U.S. Army critical care nurses in an attempt to further improve the quality of care given to patients from the point of injury until they arrive at a full support hospital. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Demetrius Lester)
Part one of a three-part series.

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan-- “In the medical field, especially in trauma situations, you have a goal of what’s called the ‘golden hour’ from the time of injury to the time you get to see a doctor,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kyle Jennings, 934th Forward Surgical Team member and a licensed practical nurse from Deweyville, Utah. “Patients who arrive within that one-hour window have a much greater chance of recovery. Without an FST in place, a soldier could go a long time before they see a surgeon or an operating room and it’d be a lot harder for that person to meet that critical golden hour goal and get the treatment they deserve.”

Members of the 934th FST, a U.S. Army Reserve unit deployed from Salt Lake City to Forward Operating Base Sharana are learning how to maximize the quality of care provided to the patients who come to them.

Their vitally important mission is unique, interesting and constantly requires unit members to be on their toes.

Just ask them.

“An FST is designed to be a mobile unit,” said U.S. Army 1st Lt. Austin Adamson, 934th FST executive officer from Preston, Idaho. “It used to be, an FST would roll out with infantry units as they advanced through a battle space. That’s how it’s been for other deployments this unit has been on. But the mission here is different. Coalition forces aren’t necessarily advancing across terrain here, so instead, we stay back and stand by to assist the wounded should they arrive.”

The mission of the 934th FST is to provide traumatic life, limb or eyesight care to coalition force units, local nationals, Afghan National Security Force members and anyone else affected by the actions of war, regardless of how or by whom they were hurt.

The FST also provides follow up care to many of the patients they treat; helping to ensure the patient receives the greatest possibility of healing from what ails them.

The team is made up of approximately two dozen nurses, surgical technicians and paramedics as well as a group of medical doctors and nurse anesthetists who rotate in and out of theater.

Even though they’re not on the physical front lines of battle, the team’s daily actions positively affect the war effort significantly.

The FST serves as the first care center between the battlefield and a full-service military hospital for coalition forces, said Adamson.

“Medics who are out in the field with the maneuver units encounter patients on a daily basis, whether they are coalition forces, our Afghan security counterparts or local nationals who have been injured,” Adamson said. “After initial treatment, they are transported by medical evacuation (air) or casualty evacuation (ground) to our facility where they are stabilized and then pushed on to the appropriate higher level of care, whether that is a military facility or an Afghan hospital.”

Naturally, as the base continues to expand, so does the role of the FST.

“When we first arrived a few months ago, half the team we were replacing was here and half were at another base in a different province to the south,” said Adamson. “We got here, to a rapidly-expanding base, and were told we’d be consolidated into one full FST that wouldn’t be separated. It’s a very unique challenge we have here, but a good challenge.”

Though the unit is still considered an FST, the operations tempo and patient care load mirror care rendered at much larger medical units.
“We’re kind of growing towards being a combat support hospital,” Adamson said. “A full CSH would have certain services available, such as dental and other specialties that we don’t have here, so we’re kind of growing towards a CSH minus. But we’re getting busy, and our unit is doing some great work to help the Afghan people.”

To further augment the team, the FST unit was augmented shortly after arrival by both Air Force nurses and medical technicians as well as Army critical care nurses, who, among other duties, help transport patients from the FST to a higher level of care.

The members of the FST didn’t show up in Afghanistan unprepared, however.

To prepare for the changing dynamics of their current role, the entire unit, prior to leaving for their deployment, spent two weeks working at an advanced trauma care center in Miami.

“I think mentally and clinically, the training in Miami kind of gave us a picture of what this deployment was going to be like, and now that I’m here, I’d say it was pretty close,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Benjamin Chou, noncommissioned officer in charge of the Advanced Trauma Life Support section of the FST from Salt Lake City. “The mechanisms of injury are different, but there were definitely a lot of traumatic injuries with which to practice our skills. Here, though, it’s a more hands-on environment in working with the patient.”

The training undertaken in Miami benefited the entire unit, even those whose role doesn’t necessarily lead to direct patient care.

“The time we spent in the trauma center was eye-opening, especially for me, not coming from a patient-care medical background,” said Adamson, who is a school psychologist when not activated with the unit. “In Miami, we developed cohesion and we got to see and practice the steps involved with trauma care. There is a specific chain of events trauma workers try to follow on every patient they see. Trauma departments try to follow the same procedures with each patient to make sure the most important life-saving interventions are not overlooked.”

The lessons learned during their short tour at the Miami trauma center were not forgotten by unit members upon deploying.

“After each trauma we see, we do an after action report and make sure we hit those steps we learned in Miami,” Adamson said. “We have a standard of care we know our patients deserve, so after each patient, we ask ourselves what could’ve gone better. Our work here is already what we like to consider above and beyond the call of duty, but now we are working towards the ultimate goal of becoming a utopia of sorts, or the best FST possible.”

One issue the unit deals with is the hurry-up-and-wait nature that can be their job at times.

“Sure, sometimes there are times when it’s quiet in here,” Adamson said. “But it changes every day, because there are times when it’s really exciting and there are all sorts of things going on at the same time. We help people and we save lives when called upon. We are all on call 24 hours a day in case we’re needed and every patient we treat is in great hands.”

“The best part of this job is we’re in a different country helping people,” said Chou. “This deployment has been a great experience because everyone, by working in close proximity with each other, learns something new every day. It’s giving me a pretty good opportunity to see what happens to a patient after you drop them off at a hospital. As a combat medic, I’m trained to stabilize the patient, drop them off at a hospital, and then other people take it from there; so this deployment has helped me understand what happens to a patient after we drop them off at a hospital which in turn helps me provide better treatment to my patients before they ever get to the hospital.”

“It feels like “The Little Engine that Could” around here sometimes,” said U.S. Army Capt. Roger Beaulieu, a native of Moorpark, Calif., and the FST commander. “This unit definitely takes after our symbol, the beehive. We are all hard workers who do whatever it takes to help each other and get the mission done.”

So for Afghan civilians, coalition forces, or anyone else who may be hurt within the 934th FST’s reach, they can take comfort in the fact they are in the hands of a dedicated bunch of professionals who will do everything in their power to help, heal and repair them as close to their former state as possible.
And that’s a golden promise.

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan - U.S. Air Force Capt. Elizabeth Norris, of New Madrid, Mo., officer in charge of the Advanced Trauma Life Support section of the 934th Forward Surgical Team, looks for possible injuries to an Afghan patient upon his arrival at Forward Operating Base Sharana Sept. 9. Norris and the 934th FST provide traumatic life, limb or eyesight care to coalition force units, local nationals, Afghan National Security Force members and anyone else affected by the actions of war, regardless of how or by whom they were hurt. Normally a mobile unit, the mission of the 934th FST, an Army Reserve unit from Salt Lake City, has changed from following units on the battlefield to a support role inside the base, where they standby ready to assist patients as necessary. The FST is the first point of treatment after a casualty (ground) or medical (air) evacuation has been performed. Since they arrived in country, members of the 934th FST have been augmented by both Air Force personnel and U.S. Army critical care nurses in an attempt to further improve the quality of care given to patients from the point of injury until they arrive at a full support hospital. Norris is stationed at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., where she is a pediatric nurse. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Demetrius Lester)
PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Members of the 934th Forward Surgical Team assess two Afghan patients upon their arrival at Forward Operating Base Sharana Sept. 9. The 934th FST provide traumatic life, limb or eyesight care to coalition force units, local nationals, Afghan National Security Force members and anyone else affected by the actions of war, regardless of how or by whom they were hurt. Normally a mobile unit, the mission of the 934th FST, an Army Reserve unit from Salt Lake City, has changed from following units on the battlefield to a support role inside the base, where they standby ready to assist patients as necessary. The FST is the first point of treatment after a casualty (ground) or medical (air) evacuation has been performed. Since they arrived in country, members of the 934th FST have been augmented by both Air Force personnel and U.S. Army critical care nurses in an attempt to further improve the quality of care given to patients from the point of injury until they arrive at a full support hospital. Upon arrival to the facility, each patient receives a thorough examination by a specialized team of medical technicians, doctors and nurses to identify and diagnosis the patient in an attempt to expedite treatment before further interventions or movement of the patient can be initiated. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Demetrius Lester)

Afghanistan

2010-09-19T16:20:00.000-07:00

Kyle sent me a couple of pictures of him on post in Afghanistan. He has been deployed now for a little over six months. We are looking forward to his R & R at the end of October.

Brad and Alice's Wedding

2010-09-06T18:45:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I flew to Oregon for my friends Alice and Brad's wedding. I played volleyball with Alice in college and Brad played football so I have known both of them for about 8 years. They had their ceremony in a chapel and their reception was held at a golf course. It was at a top of a hill with a beautiful view of the valley. It was great to get a chance to catch up with old friends from college.

Brad and Alice

Brad and Alice's families making a toast

Diana, myself and the bride

Jason Me and Jeff

Riding in the limo from the hotel to the reception

Ashley and Me

2010-08-22T08:12:00.000-07:00

This summer has been a busy one for us in Afghanistan. There's been some good experiences, though, and opportunities to help many. We've had a young boy who came to us early in July after having his leg run over by a tractor, and has returned many times since for follow-up care. He's about 5 years old, and everyone loves having him around. He's already learning several key phrases in English: Hi, bye, and "Wazzup!", as well as the important cultural hi-five and hand shake. He got a hold of an interpreters helmet, and took a few minutes trying to figure out the chin strap. After a little help, his whole attitude changed and he just looked around, as if seeking everyone's approval of his new apparel.

This of course needed to be recorded.

We recently got three in-flight critical care nurses, who will fly on the blackhawks with our patients up to the hospital in Bagram. They've been helping out in the ICU, which has been great. Below is a picture of two Blackhawks that are taking a patient of ours away.

Other than that, we've just been working hard. Thanks everyone, for your thoughts and prayers. And thank you all who help support our troops who go out every day, prepared to sacrifice everything for our country.

4th of July and Faith's Birthday Dinner

2010-07-13T10:17:00.000-07:00

On Saturday July 3rd we all went up to Bear Lake for the Day. I was really sick so I just laid on the shore all day sleeping. I would randomly wake up to Faith lifting up the hat which I put over my face to try and feed me or make me drink. A couple times I woke up to her dropping little teddy grams through the hole in the top of my hat. That's nice of her to share. Later that day I did have Jeremy take a couple of pictures of Faith climbing the rock wall they had set up there. She did a really good job. On Sunday my mom invited Grandma and Aunt Cynthia and her daughters, my in-laws, Ben's in-laws and Eric's in-laws over for a 4Th of July dinner. It was nice for them to get to meet each other and linger. I didn't get any pictures of the dinner, I was just starting to feel human again by the end of that day.
On Thursday July 8th we had a Birthday dinner for Faith before they went back to Colorado. We just met at a park in Brigham City since it was about half way between Logan and my house.

Faith holding up her new shirt.

Faith sporting her new sundress.

Alex's "scary face"

Me with Faith and Adam's and JaCoys' little girl Samatha.

Faith and Alex playing with Faith's new bubbles

It took a lot of concentration to blow out those candles.

Lydia and Natalie

Faith climbing the rock wall.

Just a thought from an ICU nurse in Afghanistan

2010-07-10T13:30:00.000-07:00

Today was a long one for us here. We had several Afghani civilians come for follow-up care, and one gentleman with a broken leg. Soon after he came out of surgery, we heard that an American vehicle had been hit by an IED. Five soldiers came in all: three were bruised and shook up, one had traumatic amputations to both of his legs below the knees, and one passed away. It is sad to see other soldiers die when they are in the service of their fellow man. They are serving and sacrificing so much for you and I and these Afghan people. They don't get paid very much, they often go days without sleep and showers, and some days go by without any food. Every day they put their life on the line. Seeing them injured and killed makes my heart ache, and my thoughts and prayers go out to them and their families. As I was thinking about this today, I thought of how much it meant to me that they would go through so much misery to fight for freedom from tyranny and terrorism. Then I realized how much the Savior went through for you and me to be free from death and hell and misery, and put immortality and eternal life within our reach, so that we could live with Him forever in the mansions of His Father with our families. He suffered the sins of all who have dwelt on this earth and died so that you and I could be happy forever. He truly is our Redeemer and He loves us.

Maybe this just means something to a deployed soldier, but I hope that all the readers understand at least part of my intent in sharing this thought. More pictures to come.

Some more pictures from Afghanistan

2010-06-30T10:15:00.000-07:00

EvaLyn does a fantastic job at this blog, and I'm going to try to add a bit from my end. Below is a picture of our team, 15 people organic to our unit in SLC and 5 providers, including 3 general surgeons, 1 orthopedic surgeon, and 1 nurse anesthetist. All five are deployed with us for 90 days. This is that first group that was with us, and they turned out to be great friends and teammates. We first met them at the Army Trauma Training Center in Miami, and had a baptism by fire, so to speak. It was sad to see them go, as we considered each one of them a very special and important part of our team.

MAJ Corcoran was one of our general surgeons, though a vascular surgeon by trade. We had a small girl, probably about five years old, that came in and required surgery, and stayed two days. Boy did she cry. But she was a cutie.

Considering it's taken me over 24 hours to get this blog up, it looks like I'm going to have to try harder to keep this updated. Even now, I just got back from getting a man in the ICU who was shot. I'll get more pictures up soon.

Everyone, thanks for taking care of my beautiful wife while I'm gone, and thank you for your prayers and concern!

Some Pictures from Afghanistan

2010-06-28T13:43:00.000-07:00

In some ways being in Afghanistan has its similarities to being back home. Then in others its totally different.

LIVING
"We live in hardened buildings, with four people to one large room, sectioned off with ply wood. My room, on the first day. I was surprised my feet and head didn't hit the walls, but it sure beats a tent or sleeping under a vehicle."

WORK
"This patient had a gun shot wound that skimmed his scalp, fracturing his skull. He is doing just fine now. This kind of thing is not uncommon, unfortunately."

PLAY
"The FOB has a softball league, so we end up playing twice a week. You would think it would be a good way to get out some energy, and it is. We have a lot of fun, and laugh a lot. So far we have played a perfect season. We got close to winning a game once, but lost 45-46."

Father's Day Weekend

2010-06-21T09:27:00.001-07:00

On Saturday I went up to my parents house to help in the yard and hang out. On Saturday night Jon Schmidt performed in Nibley Park as part of Nibley's Heritage Days celebration. He dedicated one of his songs to Military and their families. And expressed his gratitude for the sacrifice they are making. After the performance I went up to him and thanked him for his dedication, and told him Kyle was in Afghanistan and he really likes his music, and will be bummed he couldn't go. So he gave me a signed CD with a note to Kyle to send him, I thought that was very kind of him.
On Sunday I went to church with Lydia and Jeremy. Then I ate lunch at my parents to celebrate Father's Day with my dad. Aftterward I went to the Jennings to have dinner with them to celebrate Father's Day again, its kind of fun to have two Father's to celebrate with.

Jon Schmidt

Signed CD for Kyle

At the Concert

Jeremy's Baptism

2010-06-17T19:27:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday Jeremy(a good friend of Lydia's who she met at Utah State while he was playing football and she was playing basketball, and has since become a friend of the family)decided to get baptized. He has been taking the discussions for a couple months now and its been a lot of fun listening to his questions and seeing his testimony grow. It was also fun to get to go shopping with him and pick out some church cloths for him. He asked my dad to baptize him and asked me to speak at His baptism on the Holy Ghost. It was good to get the chance to share my testimony and how the Holy Ghost has blessed me in my life. We are all very happy for him and the decision he made.

Before the Baptism

Jeremy with Lydia and the Missionaries

It was a really windy day.

Katie's Wedding

2010-06-12T19:12:00.000-07:00

On Thursday June 10th Katie Thatcher was married to Cody Bayles in the Logan Temple. They had their lunch at the American West Heritage Center. It was kind of a cowboy theme since Cody is a cowboy and it was very cute. Katie and I are friends from high school. We played Volleyball and Basketball together and she has been a great friend over the years. Our old high school basketball coach Art Erickson was even at the Reception, it was fun to catch up and talk about our high school days. Katie and Cody make a great couple and I am so happy for them both.

Trip to Colorado

2010-06-09T19:37:00.000-07:00

This last weekend my Mother and I drove to Colorado to visit Eric and Annie for a couple of days. We arrived late Friday night. Saturday we spent the morning drawing with chalk on the driving. Creating everything from roads for their bikes, to tracing Faith and Alex, then coloring their faces and cloths on. On Saturday afternoon after lunch at PF Changs we walk around the local outdoor mall. There just happen to be fountains that Faith and Alex could run through, being that it was a hot day it was a great way to cool off. We attended church with them Sunday, Faith enjoyed trying to find the correct hymn number before it was time to sing the song so we would be ready to go. When church was over Alex was excited to show everyone what he colored in nursery. They seem to be growing up so fast.

I took this picture of the sky from my car on the way home. I am not sure if taking pictures out of the window is safe while driving 85mph but I couldn't resist the sky looked so cool.
It seems like since Kyle has been gone I don't seem to be in very many pictures since I am usually the one taking them now.

Ben's Birthday

2010-06-03T12:02:00.000-07:00

On Memorial day we had a birthday dinner for Ben since Dad was going to be out of town later in the week. Since it was a nice day we decided to eat outside. Any excuse to have cake is a good day.

He was a good sport to smile for the camera.

Lydia and Jeremy were having troubles actually getting the cake in their mouths.

Awww cute couple

Lydia's Graduation

2010-05-11T09:09:00.000-07:00

On Friday Lydia walked for her masters degree, at Utah State University. Afterward we went back to my parents house for lunch. Daniel, My parents and I went to the ceremony, and then Grandma, Aunt Cynthia and her girls joined us for lunch. The next day I stayed up there and we went to the demolition derby. Then Sunday was Mother's day. I ate lunch at the Jennnings and and dinner at my parents it was fun to spend time with the family.

Kyle's in Afghanistan

2010-04-19T09:10:00.001-07:00

Well, Kyle finally made it to Afghanistan. It is funny that I'm glad to finally be here, but after about 40+ days of travelling, training, and living out of a suitcase, we've made it to our area of operations. I am still living out of a suitcase, but I also have plastic bins, so we're moving on up.

We flew from Kyrgyzstan two days before a coup began there. Initially, they wanted the U.S. to not have an air field there, but I don't think it's all been worked out yet. We flew on a C-130, kinda like the one in "Operation Dumbo Drop" (great movie). There is only webbing to sit on, and it is VERY loud; we all wore ear protection the entire flight.

The mountain ranges were breathtaking, however. The elevation of the mountains was incredible. At times I felt as if I could reach down and touch the tops. And thy lasted forever! It was if there was no end to these snow covered and rugged peaks. We saw an occasional valley that had no snow and small villages. It is a very rugged and harsh land. The reported average life expectancy is 44 years old for men. Some men that look about 70 years old are just over 40.

The work has certainly started at a fast pace. I was told a few months before we left that I was going to be in charge of supply, which turns out to be a very complicated, time consuming responsibility. I've been busy. Luckily, the surgical team hasn't been too busy. We've had a few cases, but nothing fatal. A few were serious, and a case that we had was very critical. I've been blessed to have a fantastic officer in charge of the ICU, where I am assigned. She is very knowledgeable, but is also very willing to teach and help us progress. Another soldier in the ICU is with us who passed his RN boards just before he came. Again, a phenomenal asset to our unit, and a good friend. All together, we have a great team. I'm proud to be here with them, and look forward to the experiences that we'll have here.

Thanks everyone for your prayers and thoughts. We really appreciate it. We are doing a lot of good here, and it's an honor to help. Until next time... Take luck!

Kyle on the Way

2010-04-05T00:11:00.000-07:00

Hello from Kyrgyzstan! This is Kyle writing, trying to measure up to Eva's blogging excellence. We'll see how it goes.

So after spending time training in Ft. Lewis, Washington, and Miami, we've finally made it out the door. We flew to Kyrgyzstan on Friday, stopping to refuel in Illinois, Newfoundland, Iceland, Germany, and Poland. A plane full of soldiers and their gear is heavy enough to warrant frequent gas stops. The breaks were a welcomed opportunity to stretch our legs though.

Here we are in WA state ready to fly out. We loaded all of the bags in the belly of the plane, which was fun, except the belly allowed only about five and a half feet of standing room. I opted to stay out of the rain, so I was hunched over for a bit.

A window shot as we were descending over Iceland. This part of the country looked barren, but we could see more mountainous regions to the north. The airport was immaculate, the people were kind, and it wasn't as icy as I would have expected.

Here we are unloading baggage in Manas, Kyrgyzstan, and our awesome barracks. Well, that's it for now. we are waiting on a flight out to Afghanistan, and communication capabilities may be limited there. So here's a start to what hopefully will be frequent updates

Alex's 2nd Birthday

2010-03-24T15:08:00.000-07:00

Eric and Annie came into town to celebrate Alex turning two. We had a birthday dinner at Annie's parents house. With both families there and some extras I don't think Alex was sure what to do with all the attention. The next day on Saturday we spent the day with the family. We went to the park with Faith and Alex, then decided to later go bowling. Even the kids got to bowl I think they had alot of fun.

Annie made Alex a cute little train cake.

Getting ready to go to the park.

Alex thinks those sunglasses are pretty cool.

Faith decided to climb the slide I guess just going down is too easy.

Even Alex got to wear bowling shoes.

WAC Tournament

2010-03-13T13:44:00.000-08:00

This week on Tuesday the 9th my mom, her friend Pam and daughter Jessica, and myself drove to Reno to watch Lydia play in the WAC Tournament. We arrived Tuesday night and met up with Lydia and her team for dinner. Then on Wednesday we just hung around and went shopping until her game that evening. It was a fun game to watch and Lydia played really well. Unfortunately they did not win, so that was the last game of her basketball career. Then on Thursday we stayed and watched the Men's team play their first play off game. After the game we drove back to Utah and got home late Thursday night. It was a really fun little road trip.

Lydia's Senior Night

2010-03-08T14:08:00.000-08:00

On Saturday afternoon Lydia played her last home game against Hawaii. At the beginning of the game they recognized all the Seniors and their parents. We had a lot of family and friends come to the game to support Lydia. And on top of that they won by two points so Lydia was in a good mood after the game. After the game we had to stick to tradition(because that's what seems to happen after every game) and all go back to my parents house for food.

Departure

2010-03-05T14:13:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday the 2nd Kyle's Unit had a Departure Ceremony at Fort Douglas, to recognize the 934th Forward Surgical Teams Soldier's leaving to Afghanistan. Channel 2 and 5 News were there to cover the event. Then, the afternoon of the 3rd his unit flew out. Close family was able to get security clearance to wait with their Soldier's at the gate. On the front page of the Salt Lake Tribune on the 3rd there is an article about the Departure Ceremony and his Unit.

Second Anniversary

2010-03-02T10:12:00.001-08:00

Yesterday Kyle and I celebrated our second wedding anniversary. We went to dinner at the Canyon Grill in the Marriott Hotel. Then came home and did Army paperwork. I can't believe its been to years. I am glad he was able to be in town for our anniversary.

Go and Do Thou Likewise

2010-02-01T10:55:00.000-08:00

Last year, after returning from his LPN school in DC, Kyle joined a forward surgical team. It operates kinda like the old show MASH, but with 20 people. In three tents, they operate an ER, an OR, and an ICU. The team is preparing to go to Afghanistan, and will depart the end of February.
Kyle is in the ICU, and will be able to do a lot of good for our soldiers that are serving, as well as the people of Afghanistan. His battalion motto is "Go and Do Thou Likewise," a quote from the parable of the good Samaritan. He will be serving for about a year. We are very proud of him and how hard he has worked, and how hard he will work to do good. Kyle will be in a very secure compound where they fly patients to the team, and then fly them out to a bigger hospital. Here are two pictures that Kyle says may be similar to what it might be like.

Ben and Natalie's Wedding

2009-12-30T16:25:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Ben and Natalie were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple for time and for all eternity. This was the first time I had ever been to a temple sealing other than my own. It was great to see it from a different perspective. They look so happy and we are happy for them both. It was a cold and busy day at the temple but worth every second. After the ceremony they had a nice luncheon at my moms aunts church just right up the street. Then we had a couple hours to make our way up to Cache Valley, through the snow for the reception. The reception was held at Natalie's parents church and they did a really great job. We are glad we were able to share this special day with them.

Christmas

2009-12-26T13:21:00.000-08:00

We spent Christmas eve day with my family since that was when we could get all the family together. We played basketball, went sledding then headed home for a big Christmas eve dinner. After dinner (since we spent Christmas morning at Kyle's parents house and Kyle had to work later in the afternoon) my family opened all the presents from us, and we opened all the presents to us on Christmas eve. Later that evening we went to the Jennings and spent the night there. We opened presents in the morning and had a big breakfast then Kyle went to work and I went back to my parents house for the rest of the day. It was fun to get to spend time with both of our families.

Natalie's Bridal Shower

2009-12-17T08:35:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we held a bridal shower for Natalie(Ben's fiance)at grandma Smiths house. They are going to get married in the Salt Lake Temple December 29th. We are all very happy for them. It was fun for Natalie to get to meet a little bit more of our huge family.

Ben Lomond Women's Basketball

2009-12-09T13:21:00.001-08:00

This picture really captures their personalities more accurately

For those of you who don't know I am coaching basketball at Ben Lomond High School. Here is a picture of the Varsity team. I didn't get a picture of the JV and Sophomore since I pulled my camera out late. Its been a lot of fun so far, and it definitely has its challenges. I have had to switch my thinking from Volleyball to Basketball. Good news is the girls are getting better everyday and it is very rewarding to see them improve.

2009-12-07T09:50:00.000-08:00

Friday night I went to a floral arranging class with my mother in Kaysville, to make a Christmas arrangement. All the greenery is alive and most everything in the arrangement was once living branches and dried flowers. It was fun trying to get the creative juices flowing. This picture is the final result of my creative attempts.

Thanksgiving in Colorado

2009-12-01T11:49:00.000-08:00

Annie made Faith a Pilgrim costume and Alex turkey costume out of paper bags.

On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving we headed to Colorado to Eric and Annie's for Thanksgiving. Everyone was able to go except Lydia because she had basketball. Thursday before the big meal we went to the park and played football and watched Alex and Faith dance, play the piano, play the guitar, sing, and pretend to be different animals. Faith decided the playground was a pirate ship and she was the captain and everyone else was one of her sailors. It was a nice relaxing day. On Friday before we hit the road for the long drive back to Utah, we decided to try our hand at playing tennis together.

Playing Tennis

Best Warrior Competition Camp Williams

2009-11-24T13:17:00.000-08:00

Kyle was selected to compete in a Best Warrior Competition. He left for Camp Williams Thursday morning and returned Sunday. He received a Army Coin for being selected to go. They competed in several different things including. A 2 mile run, over six mile Ruck March, combatives, written test, formal boards and shooting. Needles to say he came home pretty beat up, sore and tired. However he did get second place and for that received a Certificate of Achievement.

A Game Worth Blogging About

2009-11-18T22:35:00.000-08:00

I should have blogged about this sooner but sometimes I get distracted. On Friday November 13th USU played the University of Utah at Utah State for their official season opener. I know Lydia had been looking forward to this game, since she used to play at Utah. The Aggies came out with amazing intensity and ended up winning 68-57.
Three Aggies shot their career highs. Needless to say it was a great game, and a perfect start to the season.

Halloween

2009-11-02T15:33:00.000-08:00

On Halloween we went to Frightmares at Lagoon with Alan. The whole park was decorated in a Halloween theme. Throughout the day there was different types of festive entertainment. I was worried about it being cold but it ended up being a perfect day to be outside.

As a token of there strength Kyle and Alan won blow up mallets,

Awesome Night Out

2009-10-25T21:32:00.000-07:00

On Friday night we went out with some friends to Salt Lake and ate at
the Market Street Broiler and Grill. They have some of the best seafood I have ever had, and it was awesome.

After we ate, we walked over to Kingsbury Hall for a Halloween show called Thriller. It's a show full of dancing and comedy. Our friends go every year and this year invited us to go. It was very entertaining. I would go again for sure.

Before the show begins there are dancers dressed up like Zombie's and they wonder around the crowd just being creepy. I took a picture of one of them as he was climbing over some of the chairs.

Birthday Dinner with Jennings

2009-10-21T12:21:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we went to Grandma Herrin's house for a family birthday dinner to celebrate fall birthdays. Similar to my side of the family the fall is a really busy time for birthdays. So along with Kyle we celebrated baby Rowe's, Jason(Kyle's brother), Cassie's(causin), Marianne(sister), Alan's(brother- his is in Aug but he was out of town). We opened up so many gifts it almost felt like a mini Christmas. Getting together with the fam is always a good time.

Backpacking

2009-10-19T11:14:00.000-07:00

On Friday evening we went up to Kyle's parents to go backpacking. His dad has goats which he uses to help pack some of the camping equipment. So when we arrived we helped pack up the goats and got ready to go. We climbed the mountain right behind Kyle's parents house. It was a steep climb to the campsite, so we were excited to get there and set up camp. We ate freeze dried backpacking food (which is actually pretty good) and then off to bed. The next day we woke up, ate breakfast, than broke camp and headed back down the mountain. Since Saturday was the first day of the deer hunt we made sure we wore plenty of orange on the way down so no one would mistake us for deer. Talk about an exhausting trip, but is was something new that we have never done together, mucho fun.

Kyle's Birthday Celebration

2009-10-13T16:45:00.000-07:00

Kyle's Birthday was on Sunday the 11th since he had to work Friday-Sunday we had to be a little flexible when trying to figure out when to celebrate. On Thursday my mom, dad, Ben, Natalie, Lydia and Grandma all came over for dinner. That is a lot of people for our small space so it was pretty cozy. We made homemade mango ice cream and my mom brought down apple pie.

On Monday Kyle and I reserved the day to celebrate with just the two of us. I decided to plan a full day of fun activities to do together. Kyle had no clue what was planned from one thing to the next. I wrote out clues that he had to open for each activity. First we went to lunch then to a movie. After that we went bowling and went speed racing. Then it was time for dinner so we went out to dinner and then to a ward activity, then back home to relax together. It was a pretty busy day but so much fun to get to spend all that time together. By the end of the day I think he was more excited about getting to open a clue and figure it out than the actual activity.

The celebration continues this Sunday with his family.

New Nephew

2009-10-01T13:19:00.000-07:00

On Thursday September 24th Judson and Michelle had there first little baby boy. I was able to go to the hospital and visit when he was born, however Kyle had to work that day so he was able to see baby Rowe for the first time last night. We stopped by to visit on the way home from my volleyball game in Murray. Now we have one niece and two nephews, its so much fun to have a new member of the family.

Saturday with Ben and Natalie

2009-09-28T12:14:00.000-07:00

Friday night I stayed at my parents house since Kyle was at a scout camp. On Saturday morning I drove back home with Ben and Natalie. We drove up just a few minutes after Kyle returned from camp. We were planning on going to the Annual Greek food Festival in Ogden but we went to the wrong address so decided to go to Chili's instead. We were going to go to Frightmares at Lagoon but came home and fell asleep instead. After our unexpected naps we went for a walk to a pond just up the street from our house and fed the ducks. Then we came back and made calzones and homemade ice cream, and watched womens conference on TV. Nothing went as planned but it was a lot of fun.

New eyes

2009-09-20T09:53:00.000-07:00

On Thursday morning Kyle had Lasik eye surgery. He has been wearing glasses for almost fourteen years and in a matter of minutes has perfect vision. It's amazing the resources we have now. He is very excited about his new vision, it is almost like getting a brand new set of eyes.

Mission Organization

2009-09-10T16:45:00.000-07:00

Between army stuff, scout stuff, work cloths, back packing equipment and school supplies it doesn't seem like there is ever enough places to put everything. So we decided to go through everything and part with anything we could bring ourselves to part with. As for the rest of the stuff we bought some wardrobe shelves to put it in. I should of taken a before and after picture since it was no small task to build these shelves. They looked so great at the store then when we brought them home they consisted of five boxes full of a million different pieces. It took me three days to build them but it is so nice to have more places to put stuff.

Eva's Birthday

2009-09-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

I can officially rent a car without paying extra now. That's how old I am ;) Since there are a lot of August birthdays in the family, last Sunday we had a combine birthday party at Grandma Herrin's house; for, Michelle(my sister in-law),Carlie(Kyle's cousin)and me. So the pictures are of me opening presents at Grandma Herrin's house.

Trip to Colorado

2009-08-24T13:15:00.001-07:00

Last week we drove to Colorado to visit Eric, Annie, Faith and Alex. Since we did not see Faith on her birthday in July we brought presents for her then. We were in Colorado for a couple days. While we were there we went shopping(sometimes at the store and sometimes pretend shopping at their house since Faith got a new play cash register for her birthday, she would give us play money to buy things around the house with, then she would ring it up)we went for a walk, and went to the Denver zoo. When it was time to leave Faith drove back with us to Utah for a couple days. In Utah we went shopping and went swimming.

Whatever Faith thinks is "cool" so does Alex.

Faith opening her birthday presents

Alex likes his toy trucks

Faith posing on the way back to Utah

Just got off the slide with Lydia.

AT Training

2009-08-11T18:34:00.001-07:00

After having a whole six days off Kyle is at Camp Williams doing his annual AT training. He will be there until the 23rd of this month. I am crossing my fingers that he will be able to come home on the weekend but he doesn't know if he will be able to. From what I understand he is doing a lot of in the field nurse training. So they way I picture it is like the TV show Mash, Fun Fun.

Dad's Birthday Celebration

2009-08-04T10:21:00.001-07:00

Ben swapped the candles on the cake to say 35

Ben and Natalie

Kyle,EvaLyn and Lydia, the only person there that I didn't get a picture of is mom. She seems to always hide from the camera.

Dad ready to blow out candles

Yesterday to celebrate my dads birthday we went to a camp site just outside of Preston ID to eat dinner and float the river. Dad's birthday is not until the 10th of Aug but this was the only day we could find that Kyle didn't have to work and everyone could be there. I wish I had a water proof camera because there were some pretty funny moments going down the river.
Examples:
One of moms sunglasses lenses popped out so she looked like a pirate; Lydia floating down the river with her legs hooked under the back of my dads tube so he wouldn't flip backwards, while holding on a tree branch on the side of the bank so they wouldn't float too far down the river; my mom and me getting caught on this huge rock right in the middle of the river.
After we all made it off the river in one piece we went back to camp for a great dutch over dinner and some birthday cake.

Back from Texas

2009-08-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

Not sure what happened with this pic.

Kyle's buddy Shane and his wife.

Kyle and Shane

Last night at about 11:00pm Kyle's flight from Texas landed at the Salt Lake Airport. He flew in with another soldier from is unit who attended the same training course. His Sergeant training is now over and he is glad to come home to air conditioning and of course his wife. While he was over there he graduated on the Commandants List by being in the top 10% of his class. The Military rewarded him with an honorary gold coin(Nice job Kyle). I get to enjoy having a husband for six days until he has to report Aug 9th for is annual AT training at Camp Williams.

Are You Wealthy?

2009-07-27T22:15:00.000-07:00

"Would you sell both your eyes for a billion dollars?
What would you take for your two legs?
Your hands?
Your hearing?
Your children?
Your family?
Add up your assets,and you will find that you won't sell what you have for all the gold ever amassed by the Rockefellers, the Fords and the Morgans combined".
-A quote in a book I am reading by Dale Carnegie.

I guess if we look at it that way we are all very wealthy. I am learning that sometimes the best solution to a problem is focusing on what I have, then the problem starts to look pretty insignificant. Dale also goes on to say that sometimes we get so focused on the 10% bad that we lose sight of the 90% good. I lesson I am constantly learning.

One Week Left

2009-07-23T20:53:00.001-07:00

Kyle comes home one week from tomorrow. He has been going to bed around 10:30 pm and waking up at 4:00 am. Today he spent the day in "the field" with a vest, body armor, helmet and rifle. He said it was tiring and "hot, hot, hot." Since he is down in El Paso it has been over one hundred degrees everyday. I guess with this kind of treatment it will make him even more excited to come home. :)

Hangin out Solo

2009-07-17T10:28:00.000-07:00

Its funny after being married I have gotten so use to always having Kyle around. Even if he is gone all day he is home at night. Well now Kyle is in Texas for Sergeant training until the end of the month and it so strange not having him here. Some days I feel like I have become so dependent on him. Before I was married I don't think I could ever imagine that happening. Being apart from him reminds me how much I love him and rely on him. I guess I am no longer a women who doesn't need a man and can fly solo.

Family Lagoon Day

2009-07-10T12:38:00.000-07:00

Late on Wednesday night Eric, Annie, Faith and Alex came to our house to spend the night. On Thursday morning the rest of the family joined us for breakfast at our house in preparation to spend the day at Lagoon. Faith loved the rides, if it weren't for the height restrictions I think she would have probably gone on every ride. Alex was not as sure about it, but slowly warmed up. Unfortunately Kyle had class and work so he was not able to join us.

Fourth of July Weekend

2009-07-07T12:30:00.001-07:00

On Friday afternoon Ben and his friend Natalie came down and we went to the Nickle Cade for a couple of hours then we headed down to West Jordan to go to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house. It is small but very pretty. We finished off the evening visiting Kyle's cousin and some friends of ours in Salt Lake.

After we were done in Salt Lake we drove up to Deweyville so we could be there for the morning festivities on the fourth. Saturday morning we woke up early to go to the scout breakfast. After we ate we went back to the Jennings and crashed. It was great to just get to relax and lounge around. After lunch Kyle had to drive back down to work so I headed over to my parents.

Later that evening we built a fire in the back yard and Kyle came back up to join me after work. On Sunday we went to the singles ward with Ben and Lydia since Ben was teaching Sunday school. It was strange to attend a singles ward again. That evening we headed back to Deweyville to celebrate Charlie and Suzi birthdays. It was a lot of fun I love getting to spend time with Kyle.

Great Video Clip

2009-07-02T13:14:00.000-07:00

Kyle saw this on the church website and shared it with me. It is a really good short clip.

Fun Weekend

2009-06-22T09:46:00.000-07:00

This weekend Kyle went on a camp out with the 11 yr old scouts. So I decided to play in a co-ed four on four out door volleyball tournament in Salt Lake . It was a great time including getting rained on. I have never played with a soaking wet volleyball before, but it makes for an interesting game. After we both got home we were pretty tired so we had a relaxing evening by going to a movie. Sunday we after church we went to visit our fathers. A couple hours at the Jennings and a couple at the Whitehead's. Its nice that our parents live close enough to each other that we can do that.

Sergeant Jennings

2009-06-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

On Sunday morning Kyle was made a Sergeant in the Army. We are proud of his accomplishment, this is something he has been waiting for, for a while now.

Road Trip Weekend

2009-06-04T12:15:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine from Montana was getting married and my family was meeting at our family cabin all in the same weekend so this is what ended up happening... On Friday we started toward Billings we decided to camp in Yellowstone Friday night then continue on to Billings Saturday. This was the first time Kyle and I have been able to camp together, we even got to use our new dutch oven, and sleep in a tent that would better fit two small children than ourselves.

On Saturday morning we cleaned up camp and headed to Billings for the wedding. We then discovered that we left Kyle's suit at home. So smelling like camp smoke and both needing a shower we headed to the nearest Wal Mart and found some clothes for Kyle to wear to the wedding. I think we did a pretty good job finding stuff there. I'm use to trying to buy cloths for my dad and brothers I thought for sure nothing there would fit. Then we checked into the hotel and got ready. The wedding was awesome. It was a lot of fun to see a bunch of my friends and teammates from Montana, and they were all very excited to meet Kyle.

Sunday morning we woke up early and headed to the family cabin back in Utah. By the time we arrived it was evening. So Kyle and I made Thai food for everyone (we each took turns being in charge of a meal) then called it a night. We spent Monday hanging out at the lake and having a family horse shoe tournament. Faith really liked the raft and Alex just liked picking up anything he could find and throwing it into the water. He even attempted this with Ben's shoe.
It was a very busy weekend but we had a lot of fun.

Memorial Day

2009-05-26T09:49:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day 2008 we were in Washington DC and were able to go see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It was a touching experience for Kyle, and was neat to see. The video is of a sentinel being inspected who is about to go onto the plaza for a 30 minute tour. The guards do 12 of these tours during their 27 hour shifts. Five hours are spent cleaning their uniforms, four hours more spent on their shoes alone. It was great to walk among the rows and get a small taste of all that's been done for our country and freedom and families.

Ogden Marathon

2009-05-18T14:03:00.000-07:00

Kyle ran his second half marathon on Saturday. He had a bit more of a smile on his face at the end than he did after running the Salt Lake Half Marathon a few weeks ago. It would be fun to be able to run it with him; however, I think I make too good of a cheer leader and photographer to give it up ;)

Lagoon

2009-05-11T15:27:00.001-07:00

We went to Lagoon on Saturday with Marianne and Ben. Kyle was a very good sport since he doesn't like roller coasters or anything else he feels "like he is going to die." He was very accommodating to his wife's need for an occasional adrenaline rush. However Kyle did like the bumper cars and pioneer village. Good times.

Fun Date Surprise

2009-05-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Kyle did not have to work. At about four he told me I needed to take some money and go shopping for a couple hours. Obviously with a request like that you don't have to ask me twice. When I got home he made me close my eyes he brought me into the house and sat me down on the floor. When I opened my eyes there was a carpet picnic laid out of crab legs and new york steak all of which he had cooked himself, with our "special glasses" of juice and a candle lit in the middle. It was so sweet of him I could tell he put a lot of thought into it. Not to mention it was delicious.

Semester Over

2009-05-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

This semester is officially over for Kyle. He took his last final in Anatomy on Thursday. Hopefully he will be able to take a little bit of a breather before summer school starts. We have decided to attempt to plant a garden, which I look forward to. I don't have a very good track record when it comes to making things grow. Hopefully there is always a first and we can get some good vegetables.

2009-04-20T17:01:00.000-07:00

This is a little boy after he has been at the denist. You might have seen it already its pretty funny.

Salt Lake Half Marathon

2009-04-20T16:33:00.000-07:00

On Saturday Kyle ran the Salt Lake Half Marathon. It started up at the University of Utah and ended at Gateway Mall. In total it was 13.1 miles. He completed it in about 1 hour and 44min. Needless to say his legs are pretty sore now and he kind of walks like there are raw eggs in his pants he is trying not to break, poor guy. However, we are proud of him for finishing the race with his breakfast in place. He really did an awesome job.

Easter Sunday

2009-04-13T17:45:00.001-07:00

On Easter Sunday we stayed saturday night in Deweyville at the Jennings. We woke up early to go to the Whitehead's to eat breakfast. Then we drove with them to Holebooke Idaho to listen to Uncle Micheal and Aunt Denise speak in church. They recently returned from a mission on Armenia. This was the first time Kyle was able to meet them since they were gone when we were married. After we returned back from Idaho we went to Grandma Herrin's house for a Easter slash birthday dinner for grandma Herrin. Above is a picture of her posing with her new recipe card box.

Kyle's brother Judson and his wife Michelle borrowed her parents tiny Smart car and drove it up to Deweyville. It almost looks like a toy car, we drove it to the gas station and the reaction of the people when Kyle emerged out of the car was pretty funny.

Almost April

2009-03-30T13:01:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe it is almost April and there is snow on our grass. However it is getting closer and closer for the semester to be over and that is very good news for Kyle. He works so hard he deserves a bit of a break. Yesterday Annie, Faith and Alex surprised mom from Colorado. Annie told everyone she was coming into town (since Eric was gone for work) so we would all be their when she surprised mom and dad. They came to the door and the reaction from mom was great. Little things like this in life are what make it fun.

Spring Break at last...

2009-03-12T12:53:00.000-07:00

This week is Kyle's spring break. He is always so busy its been so nice just get to spend time with him. We have not done anything super exciting just lounging around sleeping in and enjoying each others company...its great I feel like I have a husband for a week. Yesterday we went to Greek food then went to a chick flick in the middle of the afternoon. Its been lazy but a lot of fun. Back to the grind on Monday.

First Anniversary

2009-03-02T09:37:00.001-08:00

Celebrating our first anniversary. On March first one year ago we were sealed in the Logan Temple. A lot has happened in the past year. We have had many adventures together here are just a few:

(This is the top of our wedding cake which has been frozen for the past year waiting for our first anniversary)

- We moved to D.C. the day after we were married.
- Toured D.C. together.
- Went to New York City together.
- Went to Palmyra and the Hill Cumorah Pageant together.
- Drove through Gettysburg together.
- Were soaked by Niagara Falls together.
- Drove across the United States together.
- Bought furniture together.
- Laughed and cried together.
Its been a year full of adventure and new experiences and we are excited to see what year two brings.

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-17T14:08:00.000-08:00

For Valentine's Day we spent Friday night up in Deweyville. We woke up and had breakfast with the Jennings. Since the weather was poor we hung around and played games for a little while. Then we headed down to Ogden and Kyle took me to an amazing Thai restaurant. On the way home we rented a couple of movies and bought stuff to make chocolate pie. Little did Kyle know the night before I picked him up from work and headed to I decided to decorate the whole house with red and white sparkly create paper, balloons, shiny confetti and what ever else is horrible to clean up. On the couch are some of Kyle's favorite junk food and a couple pars of new scrubs. However Kyle topped it all by getting me a 90 min massage at a women's spa. Overall it was a great day and we were so glad to get to spend it together.

Its already February

2009-02-02T16:00:00.000-08:00

I can't believe January is over. I am excited for this Valentine's Day since this is our first one as a married couple and last year I was crazy busy planning the wedding and Kyle was in D.C. Don't worry it gets even better. Kyle doesn't have to work on Valentine's Day either. When life is crazy it's always nice to have those little things to look forward to.

Scout Camp

2009-01-28T10:34:00.000-08:00

Kyle went on his first scout camp as part of his new calling as an 11yr old scout leader.

Kyle loves scouting and camping. So he got to participate in the ultimate two-in-one adventure last weekend. From the pictures and stories he brought home I think they had a great time.

Back to School

2009-01-16T16:31:00.000-08:00

Well the holidays are over and its back to school for Kyle. He is staying pretty busy between school, work, scouts, army, oh and not to mention trying to squeeze in a couple minutes here and there for is wife. I'm still just working and pretending to be domestic when I am home. Life is good here at the Jennings house hold, going on being married 10 1/2 months.

Christmas Day at the Whiteheads

2009-01-05T13:42:00.001-08:00

After we woke up at the Jennings and opened up presents we headed over to the Whiteheads.
We had the whole family there together. Mom, Dad, Eric, Annie, Ben, EvaLyn, Kyle, Lydia, Faith and Alex. This was Alex's first Christmas so we were just trying to keep him entertained Faith is three so she is pretty familiar with the routine.

Faith opening up a play vacuum.

She decided her hair was a good place for all the bows.

Mom got Alex this baby toy that plays music and lights up. It caught his attention right away.

Christmas eve at the Jennings

2009-01-05T12:50:00.001-08:00

At Grandma Herrins House we had a cousins white elephant gift exchange. Grandma opened the gift I brought. Complete with a "Happy New Year" head band, tequila sunglasses, and gold beads (which shes not wearing) after we talked, opened presents and ate, we drove down the street to the Jennings for a Christmas eve slumber party.

As tradition goes in the Jennings family

we all opened a pair of PJ's, each married couples matched. (I think Alan must of lost his new shirt or something) Then somehow we decided it would be fun to all sleep in the same room to make it easier to sabotage the parents in the morning. We had two queen size air mattresses and a bunk bed. There ended up being seven of us all cozy in that room.

We were like a bunch of little kids again giggling and laughing at each others stupid jokes...needless to say we didn't get to sleep too early.

Kyle's Birthday Party

2008-12-21T19:58:00.000-08:00

We went up to Kyle's parents house for his birthday dinner. We had a wonderful dinner as always and then it was time for birthday cake.

Now I don't know if this stems from having a house full of boys, but it seems that when the Jennings light a birthday cake it is almost neccessary to have a fire extinquisher on had. Kyle's birthday was no exception. What Kyle thinks is an innocent cake is acutally an upside down frosted ice cream bucket filled with fireworks. Needless to say Kyle's reaction when they lit his cake was classic. After it was all over and done with and he figured out how to put out his cake they brought out his real cake.

Its sideways so just tilt your head to the right :)

Fall Time

2008-11-13T17:20:00.000-08:00

Its been awhile since I have written anything Kyle is now working full time at Pine View rehab center and I am working full time at Lindquist mortuaries. Between work and school life seems to get rather busy. Our hours are very different since Kyle works the 2-10 shift. So I am really looking forward to the holidays when we can both have a little time to spend together and with family. Eric and Annie sent us some pictures of Faith and Alex on Halloween. They said, "we went thru phases of wanting to be cinderella in her ball dress, cinderella in her torn up dress, a pink frog, and flying horse before we decided on -this costume. We did not dress up Alex for halloween". It fun to see the different costumes Annie comes up with. They are growing up so fast.

Visiting Eric, Annie, Faith, and Alex in Colorado

2008-10-13T09:23:00.000-07:00

On the way back to Utah for D.C. at the end of Aug. we stopped in Colorado for a couple days to visit Eric, Annie Faith and Alex. This was the first time we were able to see Alex since he was born in March.

Little Alex just hangin out on the floor he is pretty good at entertaining himself. Faith decided that the black hose used for blowing up the air mattress was her pet black snake.

Faith is getting to know her new uncle Kyle, and sharing her new pet with him.

2008-09-21T18:20:00.000-07:00

This is Kyle's graduation from his LPN program at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington D.C. He was the Honor Graduate.

This is right after the morning award ceramony prior to

graduation. Kyle recieved the Faculty Award which he is holding up. His wife is proud of him.

Back in Utah

2008-09-10T11:48:00.000-07:00

We are back in Utah and Kyle just started working at a rehab clinic. We went and bought scrubs for him yesterday so that was kind of fun to watch him mix and match the different colors. They sure look a lot more comfortable than what I wear to work. He is also taking 15 hours at weber state so between sleeping, eating, working and studying there is not much time to do anything else. As for me I am just working and trying to organize our new place. I think we have doubled the DI's volume of random stuff in the last couple of weeks. So I guess we are still plugging along. Married six months and loving it.

It was fun to watch Timothy when Kyle was home.

2008-08-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

Kyle makes a great babysitter. I quess its just good practice. : )

Why are pans so much more entertaining than baby toys?

2008-07-31T16:09:00.000-07:00

Kyle got ten days off of school for spring break so we headed up to New York for a couple of days. We were able to see the St. Patricks day parade and a whole bunch of other rather interesting things, including the statue of liberty, the Natural History Museum,break dancers in the street and the coolest toy store ever. It was a fun, tiring couple of days. We also went to the Annual Cherry Blossom Festival in down town DC. The blossoms were amazing around the title basin. We made this slide show for our mothers for mothers day.

Niagra Falls and Palmyra

2008-07-15T07:12:00.000-07:00

We just returned from a weekend trip to Niagra Falls and then off to Palmyra. We all jumped in Kallee and Clayton Cooks van with there two little ones. Niagra was first, we went on the Maiden of the Mist, which is a boat that takes you up to the falls...we left that somewhat soaked. That night we drove to Palmyra to see the pageant. The following day we were able to see the sacred grove and Joseph Smiths childhood farm. Over all it was a really fun time!

Getting Closer

2008-07-10T12:22:00.000-07:00

Kyle just finished his last test. He is so close to being done...then its off to a new adventure. It has been fun living back east. We miss the fam but it has been a good experience.